Lewis Hamilton wins the 2018 Russian GP

Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton has won the 2018 Russian Grand Prix held at Sochi. His team mate Valtteri Bottas, who started from pole position and lead most of the race came second after team orders forced him to hand over the lead to Hamilton. Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) finished third.

At the start, Bottas led Hamilton into turn 1 with Vettel right on his tail. Ferrari tried the undercut on Hamilton and it worked as the championship leader came out behind Vettel after his pit stop. However, Lewis was able to pass the Ferrari on the very next lap. 

Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen finished fourth ahead of Max Verstappen (Red Bull) who, along with his team mate Daniel Ricciardo were given a grid penalty and started at the back of the pack. Verstappen quickly made up places at the start and at one point was leading the race. After his mandatory pit stop, the Dutchman dropped to fifth while his team mate secured sixth place.

Charles Leclerc (Alfa Romeo Sauber) finished seventh ahead of Kevin Magnussen in the Haas. The two Force India drivers Esteban Ocon and Sergio Perez finished ninth and tenth respectively. Toro Rosso's Pierre Gasly and Brendon Hartley had to retire due to mechanical issues.

By scoring maximum points at Sochi, Lewis Hamilton extends his lead over Sebastian Vettel in the World Driver's Championship to 50 points with five more races to go. The next race will be held in Japan on October 7, 2018.

World Drivers' Championship standings:

Lewis Hamilton - 306

Sebastian Vettel - 256

Kimi Raikkonen - 189

World Constructors' Championship standings:

Mercedes - 495

Ferrari - 442

Red Bull - 292